Bruna Reis

Felix Auger-Aliassime ended his decade-long partnership with coach Frederic Fontang after his Wimbledon quarter-final loss to Novak Djokovic, expressing gratitude for Fontang’s guidance throughout his career. Jiri Lehecka also announced his split from coach Michal Navratil after eight years, praising their shared work and experiences. Both players shared reflective statements as Wimbledon approaches its final between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.

Gianni Infantino’s frequent appearances at World Cup matches led Joe Cole and Gary Lineker to joke about a conspiracy theory, criticising what they saw as excessive visibility by the FIFA president. Infantino’s extensive travel during the tournament was confirmed by FIFA, which defended his schedule as routine. He also faced renewed scrutiny after Donald Trump admitted to requesting a review of Folarin Balogun’s red card, which was subsequently overturned. The intervention sparked criticism, calls for Infantino’s resignation and further controversy as tournament decisions came under pressure while he prepares for another re-election bid.

A men's doubles semi-final at Wimbledon was paused when a spectator suffered a medical emergency during extreme heat, prompting the umpire to halt play. After a short delay, the match resumed, with Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic defeating Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz in straight sets to advance to the final. The pair await the winners of the second semi-final scheduled later in the day.

A World Cup press conference before Morocco’s quarter-final match against France was disrupted when two journalists began fighting, leaving Brahim Diaz visibly stunned and unable to continue answering questions. Staff attempted to calm the situation as onlookers reacted with surprise and laughter. Morocco enter the match after a strong tournament run, while France arrive as high-scoring favourites.

Roman Safiullin reached the Wimbledon fourth round after defeating Joao Fonseca in straight sets, becoming emotional as he reflected on his struggle to return from injury. His wife Liudmyla Smolanova was also visibly moved in the stands. The win followed two earlier five‑set matches, including an upset over Andrey Rublev. Safiullin awaits the winner of Novak Djokovic and Arthur Rinderknech. The article also notes Nick Kyrgios’s comments about potentially ending his Wimbledon career after continued injury issues.

Wimbledon continues enforcing its rule requiring players to collect their own towels despite the ATP reversing pandemic-era restrictions. The policy aligns with Judy Murray’s earlier campaign after Fernando Verdasco’s treatment of a ball kid in 2018. While ATP tournaments now allow players to request towels between points, Wimbledon maintains designated towel racks and limits ball kids’ responsibilities. Carlos Alcaraz expressed frustration with time constraints under current rules.

Princess Kate recalled feeling mortified when her father mistakenly greeted Tim Henman as Pete Sampras during a past Wimbledon visit, a moment she discussed in a BBC documentary. Despite the incident, she remains a regular attendee and appeared at this year’s tournament, watching matches alongside Henman on Court 18. She greeted supporters, wore a blue suit rather than her usual patron’s brooch, and continued her longstanding association with the All England Club.

Scotland’s 3-0 loss to Brazil in the 2026 World Cup leaves their qualification hopes in jeopardy, prompting manager Steve Clarke to briefly walk out of a post‑match interview. The defeat drops Scotland to third in their group with a -3 goal difference, forcing them to wait on other results to determine whether they progress. Players Andy Robertson and John McGinn expressed frustration and doubt about advancing, acknowledging costly mistakes and the strength of Brazil’s side. Morocco’s win over Haiti secured second place in the group behind Brazil on goal difference.

Gary Lineker made his ITV World Cup debut with a pointed remark contrasting the broadcaster’s on‑site New York studio with the BBC’s remote setup in Salford. Laura Woods introduced him after interrupting his mock presenter-style opening. Lineker highlighted his Netflix work and praised ITV’s studio, while criticism continued around the BBC’s off‑site coverage. BBC sport director Alex Kay‑Jelski defended the decision as financially responsible. Lineker will return to ITV later in the year to launch his new game show, The Box.

Gary Lineker publicly apologised to Frank Lampard for a light‑hearted comment about his hairline made during BBC’s Euro 2024 coverage. Appearing together on Lineker’s Rest is Football podcast, the pair revisited the viral incident, with Lineker explaining the remark had come out wrong and Lampard responding jokingly. The article recounts the original moment, the ensuing online reaction, and Lampard’s recent managerial achievements with Coventry City, alongside brief promotional content for Sky Glass.

Aryna Sabalenka reflects on the deaths of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov and her father, describing how both losses continue to shape her life and emotional wellbeing. She discusses learning of Koltsov’s death during the Miami Open, the criticism she faced for returning to competition shortly after, and the ongoing difficulty of grieving her father, whose absence she feels strongly during her career successes.

The World Seniors Snooker Championship faced criticism after a slate drop made a Crucible table unplayable, forcing match relocations and disrupting several players. Former player Lee Stephens condemned the situation, prompting a strong rebuttal from tournament boss Jason Francis, who defended the decisions made under time constraints and explained the technical issues involved. Francis apologised to the affected players and acknowledged the difficulties caused by limited venue access and the need for tables to settle, while committing to improving future events.

Gerwyn Price clarified that his withdrawal from the Darts World Cup is not due to health reasons, despite recent comments about struggling physically and seeking results. His absence leads to Nick Kenny joining Jonny Clayton for Wales, dropping the team to seventh seed. Price’s decision follows a period of poor form and a recent defeat, with the Premier League season approaching its final stages.

Wu Yize became the second Chinese winner of the World Snooker Championship after defeating Shaun Murphy 18–17, delivering an emotional victory speech dedicated to his parents, who supported him throughout his career. His remarks brought his mother to tears as he reflected on their sacrifices and the pressure he endured during the tournament. Fans’ loud support, initially mistaken as boos, was later embraced by Wu. Murphy praised Wu as a worthy champion in his runner‑up speech.

Gary Lineker voices satisfaction with leaving the BBC and expresses excitement about fronting Netflix’s global World Cup 2026 coverage from New York alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. After stepping down from the BBC following an antisemitism row, he has secured significant success with his podcast The Rest Is Football, which Netflix acquired for £14 million and will use for daily World Cup coverage. He contrasts Netflix’s high‑profile US setup with the BBC’s cost‑cutting UK‑based production and vows to maintain candid commentary on England’s performances, emphasising the emotional intensity of major tournaments.

Discussion around a hypothetical half‑marathon and darts challenge between Luke Littler and Mo Farah intensified after social media exchanges showed Littler confident he could win, questioning Farah’s ability to complete repeated 501 checkouts. Boxer David Allen shared messages and debated the scenario while fans offered conflicting predictions. Littler meanwhile prepares for upcoming Premier League Darts competition after a strong recent performance.

Broadcast details, streaming options and kick-off information are provided for Coventry City’s match against Wrexham, along with team news for both sides as Wrexham pursue a play-off place and Coventry prepare for the fixture with the Championship title already secured.

Former footballer Jimmy Bullard is expected to miss the I’m A Celebrity live final after tensions with campmate Adam Thomas during a Bushtucker Trial, which Bullard ended early amid a family crisis. Producers allowed other contestants to vote for Thomas to stay, but the pair reportedly remain estranged. The article also recalls Bullard previously walking off during Soccer AM’s final episode following a controversial joke by Jack Whitehall. If Bullard skips the I’m A Celeb final, he may forfeit part of his ITV fee.

Emma Raducanu gains a small rise in the WTA rankings after fellow contender Emma Navarro withdraws from the Madrid Open due to ongoing health issues. Raducanu, recovering from post-viral symptoms and recent withdrawals, now sits 27th with reduced threat of being overtaken. Navarro’s withdrawal follows a run of early exits and her draw spot is filled by Ashlyn Krueger. Sorana Cirstea remains positioned to extend her ranking advantage while Raducanu continues her recovery ahead of the French Open.

Chris Hoy made a public appearance at the Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid shortly after sharing encouraging updates on his recovery from a leg fracture and ongoing treatment for stage four prostate cancer. He presented the World Breakthrough Award with Jessica Ennis-Hill, won by Lando Norris, and posted images celebrating the event and his return to cycling. Messages of support from fellow athletes and public figures accompanied his updates, reflecting widespread admiration for his resilience.

Ronnie O'Sullivan will commute daily from Dublin during the World Snooker Championship to maintain non‑UK tax residency under the Midnight Rule, allowing him to avoid UK tax on significant overseas income. After relocating to Dubai with his wife Laila Rouass, he now splits time between Ireland and the Middle East and cites wellbeing and travel convenience as key reasons for the move. He acknowledges ongoing jet‑lag challenges but says Dubai provides better training facilities and easier access to tournaments in Asia and the Middle East.

Grand National winner Noble Yeats has died at age 11 after developing colic while living in retirement at his owner’s Oxfordshire stud. Despite overnight treatment, he was put down on Thursday. The Waley-Cohen family reflected on his 2022 Grand National victory and his subsequent racing achievements, including wins in the Many Clouds Chase and the Cleeve Hurdle. The family plans to plant a tree over his ashes as a tribute.

Chang Bingyu secured a 147 maximum break against Luca Brecel in World Snooker Championship qualifying, earning £172,000 with the possibility of an additional bonus if it remains the tournament’s highest break. The achievement follows his return from a two‑year match‑fixing ban. Brecel, aiming to reestablish himself in major tournaments, expressed renewed motivation ahead of their match. The Championship begins on 18 April, with Zhao Xintong entering as the defending champion.

Three horses that fell during the Grand National received medical assessments, with Mr Vango treated in an equine hospital for a neck fracture but expected to recover. Top Of The Bill and Beauport were reported in good condition after their incidents, while Quai De Bourbon was cleared to return home. Trainers provided updates confirming stable health outcomes for all three animals following the race.